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Clarkesville Mill break-ins lead to arrest

News Staff
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
By Hannah Caudell   Someone’s been breaking into the Clarkesville Mill’s back storage units for weeks.   Broken doors, missing items and deployed fire extinguishers were left in their wake as the Clarkesville Police Department tried to figure out who the suspects were.
The City of Demorest could see more development after council approval in the April 7 meeting. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

The City of Demorest could see more development after council approval in the April 7 meeting. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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Potential development in Demorest

Zach Taylor
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
   Demorest residents will see plans for yet another potential development within the city at the April 7 Demorest City Council meeting.   Once a Sherwood Clinic at 415 Fisk Ave.
More than 200 people showed up to the No Kings protest in Habersham on Saturday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

More than 200 people showed up to the No Kings protest in Habersham on Saturday. ZACH TAYLOR/Staff

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No Kings protest labeled a success

Zach Taylor
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
   Driving through Clarkesville on Saturday, one might have noticed the large group of people formed at the gazebo in the downtown square.    Holding signs and chanting, No Kings protestors came out in droves for the first event of its kind in Habersham.
Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash.

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Resources available to provide Spring Break meals for students

caudellhannah
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
What’s available to students facing food insecurity when school inevitably goes on break?This week, Habersham County School System students are enjoying their spring break, though some students may struggle to find food, with their guaranteed one to two meals a day put on hold.
An inmate housed at the Habersham County Detention Center costs the county about $20 per day. (File)

An inmate housed at the Habersham County Detention Center costs the county about $20 per day. (File)

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Housing inmates is third of county jail budget

News Staff
Friday, March 27, 2026
By Hannah CaudellA jail operation can get pretty expensive when it comes to housing inmates, both inside and outside the county.
Marcie Kicklighter from Explore Georgia shares tourism data with Partnership Habersham Wednesday morning. (Submitted)

Marcie Kicklighter from Explore Georgia shares tourism data with Partnership Habersham Wednesday morning. (Submitted)

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Tourism continues to increase

News Staff
Friday, March 27, 2026
By Samantha SinclairVisitors to Habersham County spent $69.6 million in 2024 saving homeowners about $350 on their property tax bill.That’s part of the tourism data Marcie Kicklighter, regional tourism manger for Explore Georgia, shared with Partnership Habersham Wednesday morning.
Christian Moore practices playing the French horn during band class at Habersham Central High School on Wednesday. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

Christian Moore practices playing the French horn during band class at Habersham Central High School on Wednesday. (Samantha Sinclair/Staff)

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‘The spice of life’

News Staff
Friday, March 27, 2026
By Hannah CaudellAbout 4,000 Habersham County students participate in some sort of music program, accounting for over half of the school system’s population.One of those students, Habersham Central junior Alan Magana, joined the school’s vocal program, and band was the next door that opened to him.
The proposed development, known as Artisan Park, would be developed by Artisan Land Companies and feature a seven-district commercial, residential and healthcare development projected five miles outside the city limits and would encompass approximately 164.8 acres at the U.S. 23 and U.S. 123 intersection, also known as the Tom Arrendale Interchange. (File)

The proposed development, known as Artisan Park, would be developed by Artisan Land Companies and feature a seven-district commercial, residential and healthcare development projected five miles outside the city limits and would encompass approximately 164.8 acres at the U.S. 23 and U.S. 123 intersection, also known as the Tom Arrendale Interchange. (File)

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Lack of interest pauses TAD vote

News Staff
Friday, March 27, 2026
By Zach TaylorDemorest’s Tax Allocation District will not be on the May ballot following a lack of county commissioner interest.TAD powers allow the City of Demorest to establish an area where revenues from growth, primarily vertical growth, can be taxed.
At left, Cornelia Mayor John Borrow poses with his wife, Holly, after being awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. At right, Larry and Evie Whitfield pose after Larry received the Distinguished Citizen Award. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

At left, Cornelia Mayor John Borrow poses with his wife, Holly, after being awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award. At right, Larry and Evie Whitfield pose after Larry received the Distinguished Citizen Award. (Zach Taylor/Staff)

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Borrow, Whitfield receive Distinguished Citizen honors

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Zach TaylorFailure was something that Commander Frank Weisser experienced throughout his military career, but he said that he wanted to encourage people to have the courage to fail.
Melanie Bellinger

Melanie Bellinger

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County names new 911 director

News Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
By Samantha SinclairMelanie Bellinger is Habersham County’s new Emergency Management Agency and 911 director.She had been serving in the interim role since former director Lynn Smith retired in June.Bellinger said she is “extremely grateful” that she was chosen to permanently fill the role.